Innovation in optics and architecture

asphericon wins Jena facade award with sustainable timber hybrid building

Jena, December 13, 2023: asphericon has been awarded the Jena Facade Prize 2023 for its investment in a new, sustainable timber-hybrid building. The innovation leader in the development and production of aspheric optical systems receives recognition as well as the coveted special prize for energy efficiency.

The city of Jena awards the Facade Prize for outstanding achievements in the professional preservation and restoration of facades and for exemplary facade design on new buildings. The special award for energy efficiency promotes innovative building technologies that integrate renewable energy and energy efficiency techniques in a particularly high-quality manner. An independent jury consisting of representatives of the sponsors, architects, and city officials selected the winning buildings.

The new asphericon development and administration building was constructed as a solid wood structure with a larch wood facade. The extensive thermal insulation of the building was designed according to the “Efficiency Building 40 EE” standard. Heating is mainly provided by waste heat from production, combined with a heat pump and the use of surplus energy from the photovoltaic system. Highly efficient underfloor heating, a ventilation system with heat and moisture recovery, and advanced building management technology contribute to the building’s energy efficiency.

Alexander W. Zschäbitz, CEO of asphericon GmbH, expressed his enjoyment at the double award: “We are delighted to have received two awards at this year’s Facade Prize. We are particularly proud of the special award for energy efficiency, which recognizes our many years of efforts in the field of sustainable management. Our thanks go to our project team and especially to the architects at Schüler & Reddersen GmbH.”

Mayor and Head of the Department for Urban Development and the Environment, Christian Gerlitz, emphasizes: “The facade award has been an important part of Jena’s building culture for more than 30 years now. It encourages developers and architects to pay attention to structural quality and to create exemplary buildings. This year again, there were some outstanding entries that can serve as examples of successful design.” Further prizes and commendations went to the Helmholtz Institute, the Villa am Zementwerk and a private residence.

About asphericon

As an independent and recognized specialist, asphericon is the technology leader in the field of optical systems. Production is based on a proprietary and patented technology for controlling CNC grinding and polishing machines. This technology is unique in the world and allows the production of small quantities as well as large series with high precision. asphericon supports its customers from optical design, production and coating, full-surface interferometric measurement and documentation to the assembly of optical components and their optical characterization.

Further Information

Dr. Thomas Hegenbart
Tel.: +49-3641-3100500
Fax: +49-3641-3100501
E-mail: event[at]aspherion.com